Question

My sister opened her third eye six months ago and it has been terrible for her. Since then she sees indigo and a black eye in the middle. Sometimes its just the indigo. She wants to get rid of it because it is affecting her nerves. What is she seeing and how does she do this? Thanks

—Julie, Australia

Answer

Julie,

I assume that this occurred to your sister as a result of meditation?

And, that its appearance is only during meditation?

It is possible for this to occur outside of meditation and even with eyes open during normal activities, though that is rather unusual, especially for one who does NOT meditate.

So assuming she is having this experience IN meditation, and assuming she wants to continue meditation then…….

1. What she is experiencing would normally be considered a wonderful and helpful thing.

2. Ordinarily one would focus deeply upon the experience offering oneself into the experience with devotion.

3. Yes, the spiritual eye can assume various forms including what you’ve described. Even though it is typically described as 3 concentric circles (gold/yellow; deep blue or indigo; and a 5 pointed star in the center), it by no means conforms to that description, shape, or color.

So, continuing to assume your sister is a meditator, I would encourage her to see the “cup of her meditation as half full,” not half empty! Here are some thoughts:

1. Enter into meditation with devotion and self offering. Pray for guidance and insight into the experience and how to relate to it.

2. If the spiritual eye appears simply observe and gaze at it calmly. Thus preparing for meditation with yoga postures or other exercises such as the Energization Exercises; chanting; breath control techniques, becomes an essential preparation.

3. In the calm observation of the spiritual eye, mentally call upon Divine Guidance from God or Guru.

4. If one feels a divine response and sense of protection and there’s no fear or concern regarding one’s spiritual or mental safety, experiment with entering into a “relationship”with the spiritual eye by either allowing it to infuse one or by offering oneself into it.

I think that’s as far as I dare go being as I do not have a more complete understanding of how this arose; under what circumstances it takes place; nor yet anything about your sister’s state of mind, practice of meditation, and the like.

As a final counter point, let me say that if your sister is fearful for her own well being, then she may wish to cease meditation practices for a time. Or, only do these with eyes open; or, never in a darkened room. She may want to stick with yoga postures or other aspects of yoga or meditation that do not induce the experience she is finding threatening.

Always ask for grace and guidance in all such matters. Use also common sense and trust (to a point) your intuition. Naturally if there’s someone closer who she trusts in such matters she should seek direct counsel.

I hope for her, then, the best and deepest in guidance and inspiration!

Blessings to you both,

Nayaswami Hriman

]]>47478How Important Is Material Success on the Path to Self-Realization?https://www.ananda.org/ask/important-material-success-path-self-realization/
Thu, 10 Aug 2017 21:57:17 +0000https://www.ananda.org/?post_type=ask&p=47427

Question

Question to N. Hriman. I know that my highest goal is to know God, thats why im on this path. But respecting to my worldly life I feel completly lost, that I’m not good at anything or I’m not Smart enought. I have failed in everything in life (28), in all my jobs too and now I´m without one. How can I know what are my talents or natural habilities to direct my life in that way? Jaiguru

—Jeniffer , Colombia

Answer

Dear Jennifer,

How often did our guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and many other saints, east and west, remind us that “God doesn’t mind our faults, only our inattention!” The one thing God does not possess is our love: our interest in knowing Him (Her etc)!

Yes, it’s true all of us want to be creatively engaged; appreciated; useful and serviceful. These are all attributes of our higher nature. But sometimes we need to develop non-attachment to even these worthwhile and helpful aspects of life (even a spiritual life!) as a part of our current karmic challenges.

How often have I, and others whom I know, have had similar fears or opinions of ourselves: unworthy, lacking in talent, seemingly a failure at everything I do. It’s simply NOT true. We simply haven’t find our stride. It’s been said, and Yogananda included, that all too often a person gives up in striving for a worthwhile goal JUST when his or her karma is about to shift.

Mostly we only have to persist with faith, even-mindedness, and a cheerful attitude of never giving up. Perhaps perseverance is a quality your soul wants you to develop. Faith in your own abilities: God-given, that is!

The deepest lesson of right action is “nishkam karma”: to act without attachment to success or failure, knowing that the true Doer of all action is God! Not an easy lesson. Here are some suggestions: (not all at once, but step by step)

1. Don’t give up! The right job or situation simply hasn’t arrived in your life. Have faith: in God; in yourself; and in right action when applying will power, intelligence and energy to whatever you do.

2. Give your intentions to a higher cause. Pray, “I want to succeed at what I do in order to serve God through others.” “I want to help others in a way that releases the hold of ego upon me.” Prayers of this type. (As opposed to “I want to make a lot of money; I want to get praise and appreciation…..I want to be a success…..that sort of thing)

3. When working, helping, studying………try to feel divine energy and intelligence flowing through you! Pray: “I want to be YOUR instrument; work through me to accomplish your will in all that I do.”

3. Use meditation, visualization and prayer to achieve the highest order whereby God is the Doer of all action. At this level you are not merely the instrument, but God now is the Doer AND the instrument!

And keep this, too, in mind: start from where you are……even IF you were to say to yourself, “I am not good at anything; I am not smart enough”…..etc……OK, then, if you MUST start at this point in order to be honest with yourself, then pray:

“Lord, I may not have the ability but YOU can do ANYTHING! So, WORK through me.” Your soul likes this attitude. But remember also that humility is NOT self-abasement, it is SELF-HONESTY. And truthfully, you have all the intelligence and skills of the universe at your disposal if you will tune into the power and presence of God and gurus to be their channel and to use their power as your own, which is, ultimately, God serving God, God alone, in the final analysis.

So, be of good cheer. Your troubles cannot last if you face them with a straight spine, a smile, and a “Can Do” attitude (“I can do or God can do or WE can do!”) ok?

Blessings and let’s stay in touch……….the adventure is an adventure of awakening!

Question

To the end of meditation somewhere close to 30 minutes I started going deep that it felt like getting light headed. Had a nauseous feeling and I felt that if I continued I would go deeper and something will change happen. I still continued and became so fixed and concentration was not an effort at that point. But the depth and something scared me so much someway and I shook myself out and opened my eyes. Please guide me.

—Ramya, USA

Answer

Dear Ramya,

Experiences such as yours are not commonplace but do they do occur sometimes for some people! If ever in meditation you feel threatened or unsure of what is happening, you can generally just open your eyes, stand up if needed, and/or do some simple and deep breathing. In addition, call out to God especially in the form of one of the Christ-like masters.

It is important to use common sense in such matters and not to “ask for it” by indulging in seance or other activities that might call upon disincarnate entities. A true guru is a great help in such matters.

As to your practice of meditation here are a couple of suggestions:

1. Do not meditate in the dark. Always have some light around you.

2. Begin your meditations with a prayer to God or one of the gurus. Be ready to invoke divine assistance should anything come upon you in meditation that you are not comfortable with.

3. Consider meditating with eyes open, even if for part of your meditation. Have a picture or other representation of God or gurus on your altar.

4. I don’t know what practices you follow but in the path of Kriya Yoga (Self-realization) we engage the body through yoga postures, or energization exercises, and through some simple breath control techniques to calm the metabolism.

5. Is your physical or mental health posing any issues for you? Consider what medications you are on? Consult your doctor if there are concerns about the mental impact of medications.

You can tell by now that I have encountered some people who have experiences like yours when the body and mind are out of balance for one reason or another. I know that in respect to the practices taught by Paramhansa Yogananda (including through Ananda) it is unusual for students to encounter issues such as yours. Therefore I am confident that if you explore my questions above carefully and faithfully and find someone to teach you time tested meditation methods, you will not likely encounter these symptoms for very long.

Lastly, I would ask if you have a meditation group that you are part of? And/or, a competent and experienced meditation teacher? Both are essential for those who wish to advance spiritually through meditation in a balanced and sustainable way.

www.Ananda.org has many resources online and in person to help provide to you the company of like minded souls!

Question

Hello,

I am struggling to live without longing for monastic life. I find the mundanity of worldly careers and spirit-less education pointless. The thing is that I am married with three children and I need to provide, so this makes me feel like a somewhat renounced life is impossible if I have to spend my time working in a soul-crushing job. I try to put passion and purpose into it but it’s really difficult. What guidance would the spiritual teachers provide in this case?

—Steven (25), USA

Answer

Dear Steven,

Married with three children and a soul-less job! Why of course you are pining away for the monastic life! As a man who once studied for the priesthood but then married, raised two children who now have children of their own, I know exactly what you mean. And so I have, therefore, seen many other men who, wearied of married or family or career life, have similarly wished for freedom from drudgery and karmic bondage!

Well, probably you have been a monastic in some prior life. But remember: “the grass is greener on the other side!” I urge you to “let it go!” God (meaning “joy”) MUST come to you where you ARE if you open your heart to His love, presence and guidance. We MUST work out our karma with calmness and equanimity, accepting our duties not as drudgery but as a gift of our own soul’s salvation towards ultimate Bliss.

Yes, I know, words of “tough love!” No one ever said “sainthood is for sissies!” Love your children, wife, and work NOT for their own sakes (as all things and people are imperfect, as we are too) but as God incarnated into human form to help you work out your karma and guide you to inner peace, joy and finally transcendent liberation. There’s no other way out: “the only way OUT is IN!” “The light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not.” The light of God’s presence, wisdom and joy is always there for those who seek it within with eyes (the “third eye”) to see.

Do you meditate daily? Even a little bit? Have you been taught a good technique? Do you read inspirational material? Autobiography of a Yogi? A tough but excellent read is Sister Gyanamata’s GOD ALONE! Letters of counsel to truthseekers and devotees. She prayed to the effect, “Don’t change my circumstances, change me!”

Do you have company with others of like mind to meditate with? To serve together with? Study?” An excellent way to start the day and carry on in this way is with GRATITUDE! See if at work, e.g., you can silent be like a beacon of light through shining through your smile; pouring out equanimity through calmness; joy through willingness. Transform your work environment into a temple. Every where the light can be found.

Life is a call to arms, not a Sunday picnic. Be a peaceful warrior of wisdom, faith, and joy, serving all who surround you as you would serve God incarnate, for “Thou, too, art THAT!”

Question

Hi

M woman came back from holiday with my daughter i feel she has cheated while she was there even tho it was meant to be an official holiday with other people’s children.

—marc, DUBLIN

Answer

Dear Marc,

Suspecting infidelity is not the same as knowing it to be a fact. So, be very careful as the mind and heart can deceive you, too, not just your wife! This ASK service that we offer is no substitute for marriage counseling and as I do not know either of you personally I can only offer a few general suggestions:

1. Find a quiet, calm time (perhaps after the children are in bed or are out playing) to sit down with your wife and ask questions about her holiday trip. DO NOT ACCUSE. Simply ask questions about the trip. Depending on how this goes you can come to a point where you ask: “Is there anything you would like to tell me about this trip?” or, “Did you meet someone special there?” Or, “Are you unhappy in this marriage?” “Is there something I can do to make this marriage better?” “Do you think we should see a marriage counselor?”

2. Learn the difference between your feelings and your wife’s feelings or behavior. For example: you can make the statement “If you were to have an affair with another man, I would be very hurt. I hope this isn’t the case. Is it?”

3. Step back, if you can, from your own marriage and your suspicions and potential hurt to consider the broader picture of marriage and human nature: yogis say we have lived countless lifetimes and have had many partners. In the New Testament Jesus is asked a question about a hypothetical case when a woman, married and widowed repeatedly under the Judaic law, dies and goes to heaven, which husband will she reunite with? Jesus, perhaps with a bit of annoyance or a chuckle under his breath, tries to explain that the soul is neither male nor female and that in the after-death state of heaven (astral world) marriage in the earthly sense does not apply. There we meet friends and lovers and families from perhaps many lifetimes! Which one then is “our” wife? No one owns us and we own no one. No one “owes” us anything but to be true to themselves.

4. Human weakness in matters of passion and attraction are the stuff of literature and daily drama in the lives of countless people down through the ages. Try to be forgiving. Jesus reminds us that the law of karma is exacting for “as ye sow, so shall ye reap!” Who knows what act(s) you have done in the past, perhaps a past life, that would result in your wife’s infidelity to you? “There but for the grace of God, go I.” Studies of infidelity have shown that those who develop infidelity as a pattern are very unhappy people for they never can find true love that way. They are a bit like lost souls in a personal kind of hell where they have the karma to attract others of similar tendencies but never bond with any of them. Not unlike a movie of zombies roaming around, half-dead and more than half UNfulfilled! So be patient if you can; kind if you can.

5. You must also finally decide whether your marriage is worth doing the work necessary to salvage it. What if your wife denies infidelity but you continue to suspect it? This suspicion acts like a poison in the blood stream of marital love and respect. No matter what she says or what you actually know, you will have to work consciously and courageously to forgive and to go the extra steps to show respect, love, affection, and tenderness IF you want to save your marriage.

I hope these few words offer some guidance and hope and I wish for you both that this challenge act as a lever to strengthen your friendship with one another. Marriage, more than anything else, is friendship. Friendship is based on respect far more than the sentiments of romance and attraction between the sexes. Be, therefore, a true friend and true friendship must come to you!

Question

Hello,

Stuck in one question,after death to physical body, where do the soul go,what happens to soul after death???

How do the soul enter into other body??

—Subramanya, India

Answer

Dear Friend:

The yogis teach that we are encased in 3 bodies: a physical body; an energy (or astral) body; and a causal body. When the physical body dies, the soul is still encased in the other two and exits the physical body by going up the astral spine and exiting. Just as in sleep each night, we withdraw from the physical senses and do not hear sounds, smells, etc., so too at death the senses and the limbs and organs gradually become numb as our life force begins to recede like a tide away from the land.

Going through the “birth” canal of the astral body we see a light (at the end of the tunnel of the astral spine) and exit out into the Astral World: a realm of light, color, and beauty. Like a fish out of water, however, the average person cannot sustain being conscious very long without a physical body and breath and soon falls into a swoon, a sleep just as we do each night.

Whether remaining conscious (as a yogi or person of higher consciousness does) in the astral world or falling asleep as most people do, we rest there until our “time is up.” Our karma — the seeds of which are embedded in the astral body along the spine according to whether physical, mental, emotional or spiritual karma — wakes us up just as the early sunrise will wake us up at dawn.

When the time is just right for our coming back, our astral body and soul is drawn towards a couple whose uniting produces a embryo where we belong. (There’s an astrology aspect of this but the true astrology lies within us, along our astral spine; the outer world of the stars and planets simply reflects back to us our inner karma.)

After many lives and as we awaken spiritually and begin to outgrow physical desires that require a physical body, we may eventually remain both awake and stay on the astral realm never to return to a human body. There we incur or work out astral karma: desires for beauty, music, true friendships and the like. When the astral body “dies” the casual body, which is the soul, goes to the casual sphere for its rest; returning to the astral realm again and again until all astral desires are worked out. And so it goes like this until the soul is emancipated from all 3 bodies and merges back into God.

There’s a lot more I could say and books have been written on this subject, but I hope this gives you a general idea. ok?

Question

Hello there. I’m having a problem considering whether to join for a nightshift work, or not. I believe meditation can be the key here, but I’m afraid whether a nightshift work may cause problems to me spiritually. Please do answer. Thank you.

—Kailash, India

Answer

Dear Friend, Kailash:

I assume the attraction to the night shift is to earn extra money? As you have not stated that as a fact nor yet the circumstances that might suggest a compelling need to work the night shift, I would suggest you follow your own instincts and intuition along the lines of your concern that working nights may prove detrimental to your spiritual practices and life.

To those who keep their priority on the soul’s journey to freedom, Krishna and all the great ones promise rewards far in excess of our efforts. Material rewards are like clouds that come and go. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things (our material needs) will be added unto you.” These famous words of Jesus ring true for all who would seek the “truth that shall make us free.”

Question

How can you know what level of consciousness you attain. Because I see a portal opening in the sun can you explain this. I see this with my natural eyes

—Judy, United State

Answer

Dear Judy,

The lives and lessons of saints down through ages reveals that all but the true avatars are unsure of their own spiritual realization. Many have moments wherein they despair for their own “salvation.”

It is wise therefore to leave that question in the hands of God. For until we achieve final liberation, becoming a “jivan mukta,” we are never safe from falling back.

In addition, spiritual phenomenon such as you describe (in the “portal” of the sun) are even less reliable measures of one’s progress.

There are those with psyhic powers who are not more spiritual than most people. Down through the ages and including Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras we are warned from mistaking spiritual powers (“siddhis”) for spiritual realization or at least view them as temptations for the ego.

As Swami Kriyananda describes at the end of his now classic tome on Art and Science of Raja Yoga, our spiritual progress is best measured by the degree to which we are calmer; kinder; wiser and guided by devotion and self-offering.

Swami Sri Yukteswar’s counsel to all was simply, “Learn to Behave!” As great an avatar as he was he reduced the spiritual path to its simplest forms.

Even at that, feeling progress is not an evaluation, it is only a directional guide because we can always end up feeling “proud” of the progress we claim.

So, while the question lingers in the minds of all of us, perhaps when we get impatient or question our own progress or commitment, give your “salvation” to God.

As Lahiri Mahasaya counseled all of us: “banat, banat, ban jai!” Doing, doing, soon done. Live each moment in eternity for time is illusion. God is as much with you now as He will ever be.

Question

Dear friend

How to understand God’s will before I do anything?. I wish to act accordingly.

Sharad jadhav

—Sharad, Bharat

Answer

Sharad,

Yours is an excellent and important question. If I may be permitted to extend the question one step further, “How Can I Know God?,” then we realize just how broad and deep is your question. Although God of course is not a “person” in the way we think we are with a human body, nonetheless, let’s examine your question in terms of what it is like to ask a “person” a question. In order to ask a person’s opinion, let’s say, you need to already know this person and know how to reach them (either right there, “in-person,” or on the phone, or by letter or email); you need to speak the same language; and, your question needs to be appropriate for whatever the relationship is between you!

Those conditions are a TALL order when it comes to asking God for guidance! Now with this analogy you can see the complexity of the issue. Who among us can say, “I KNOW God?” Or, “I have God’s phone number (meaning, I know how to can contact God whenever I want); And, “God answers my questions when I ask Him.”

So, how do we proceed? List make a list:

Make it a habit to pause inwardly before acting to silently “ask God for guidance” from your heart and by lifting your eyes upward. It just takes a moment. This should take place every day.

You should already have established a daily practice of prayer (talking TO God) and meditation (listening for His answer). At the end of each meditation, pose a question for guidance by broadcasting it through the point between the eyebrows (the “spiritual eye”). Listen (feel) for an answer in your heart.

Your questions should be sincere and free from any attachment to the answer. They should not be based on material desires unless such are truly necessities appropriate to your circumstances.

Your guidance must truly ask for God’s guidance as to whatever is best for you, spiritually.

Your prayer should be dynamic and positive: in the form of what Paramhansa Yogananda called “prayer-demands.” Just as Jesus counseled to pray “BELIEVING!” Know that what is good and right for you as a son of God must come to you.

This daily practice will gradually clear your heart and mind so that your intuition will deepen and you will develop the ability to “know” what is true guidance versus what is excitement based on what you WANT subconsciously. You will undoubtedly make some mistakes, but this is how we all learn. It will perhaps take time, but it need not as the combination of the purity of your intention and the power of your will is applied.

Naturally a few common sense guidelines should be noted: you will not receive divine guidance to do anything harmful to yourself or others; nor anything that would be criminal, immoral, or dishonest. Nor yet anything that goes against universal virtue. It’s ok to pray for simple material things (job, health, partner, children, parents) but the highest prayers are to ask to know God, to feel God’s love, to share that love, and to do God’s will in all things.

I hope you find these guidelines and practices helpful. A sage once counseled: “Patience is the fastest way to God.”

Question

Hi.

I’ve been suffering from constant tiredness which has been diagnosed as Chronic Fatigue. I was wondering if you could give me any Spiritual advice to combat this or understand what I’m supposed to learn from it. I already meditate and do the energisation exercises and eat a healthy diet so I’m at a loss to understand what I’m supposed to learn from this and how to combat it. Thanks.

—Sophie, UK

Answer

Dear Sophie,

If in this lifetime you have lived in harmony with the laws of health then one must conclude that your chronic fatigue comes from a past life. But whether or not that is true is a fact that may, or may not, ever be known by you. The important question is the one you have asked: “What am I supposed to learn from it?”

Our soul knows that it has access to all the energy it needs by operation of will power combined with divine attunement. The lesson(s) could be to strengthen your awareness that you live by divine power and by joyful willingness and not by bodily health or stamina. It can also be patience; surrender; joy under all circumstances; faith in God and in the latent goodness of all circumstances, whether considered “good” or “bad.” Also, fortitude and perseverance in face of obstacles.

Thus, you see, the lessons are innumerable, potentially. Therefore, focus on the practical: what can you DO as you struggle each day. Combining the need for rest, exercise, prana-filled diet, meditation, prayer with the importance of serving others in whatever way is open to you without causing further injury / fatigue to your system — these are the simple daily acts that are practical responses to your current condition.

An important issue related to chronic forms of illness is to balance acceptance of its realities against falling into the pit of identifying yourself as someone with “chronic fatigue.” You cannot know when, by grace or karma, it might vanish as if it had never been. Yet, you should not live in a world of “what if’s” or make believe.

Lahiri Mahasaya counseled: “banat, banat, ban jai!” (Doing, doing, soon done!) Yogananda put it this way: “The minutes are more important than the hours.” You day to day mindfulness, practicing the Presence, being self-aware of thoughts, words, emotions is far more important than the big picture of health routines.

No matter how far back you need to scale your activities, try not to succumb to failing to meditate and pray (and pray for others). Consider how many people are worse off than you. Find ways to serve other people: in your home; your neighborhood, or, across the globe. Use energization as best you can, even if you cannot do them all together at once. Keep up your spiritual reading; include humor in your daily mental diet. Use affirmations: here’s one:

“Within me lies the energy to accomplish all that I will to do. Behind my every act is God’s infinite power.” (Swami Kriyananda, Affirmations for Self-Healing: Energy); followed by this prayer:

My body cells obey my will: They dance with divine vitality! I am well! I am strong! I am a flowing river of boundless power and energy! Followed by this prayer:

Prayer

O mighty Source of all that is right and good, help me to see my strength as an expression of Thy infinite power. Let me banish the darkness of disease: It is forever foreign to Thy light!

After energizing, sit and feel the energy coursing throughout your body. Indeed, do the exercises more slowly and pause to feel the energy after each movement!

When meditating, and especially while sitting after practicing kriya or Hong Sau, commune with the vitality and energy you feel in your body, seeing it as divine energy: joyful and intelligent and, as the presence of God in the form of healing energy.